Shave Ice, Hawaii’s Can’t-Miss Treat (Just Ask the President)

Kent Nishimura for The New York Times

Our fellow, Hi’ilei Julia Hobart, was featured in the New York Times talking about the role of ice in the history of Hawaii.

“I couldn’t quite imagine what would have compelled the U.S. to protect a commodity like ice,” Ms. Hobart said. Her dissertation showed that ice was an essential element in the colonization of Hawaii, signifying status and offering comfort to settlers who preferred chilled drinks and ice cream over the sour, tepid foods that had long sustained the native population.